CLARKSTON— On Saturday, May 14th, the Prevention Research Center at Georgia State University, a CDC-funded entity that works to address the public health disparities of refugees and immigrants in Clarkston, will host Clarkston Summit 2022, a day-long event uniting the community with research and service stakeholders to help shape the future of the Clarkston community’s health and well-being.
The Clarkston Summit presents an opportunity for Clarkston residents, non-profit organizations, academic researchers, and others concerned with the Clarkston community to come together and listen, share, and talk about common interests. The goal is to identify community needs and concerns and develop concrete plans to address them. Working together, community residents, leaders and organizations are working to enhance the Clarkston community in sustainable and empowering ways.
Darlene Lynch, Co-Chair, Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies and Head of External Relations, Center for Victims of Torture Georgia, says this year’s summit can help address critical needs in the community.
“I hope this event will help us learn more about efforts to expand access to mental health care for refugees and other survivors of torture, says Lynch. “We want to collaborate to provide the best possible care to members of our community.”
Other topic areas for the Summit’s breakout sessions include early learning, healthcare, food security, and housing.
“This is a great opportunity to share and listen, and to create collaborations, partnerships, and long-term solutions for community concerns,” says Dr. Mary Helen O’Connor, Director of the Clarkson Center for Community Engagement and Deputy Director of the Prevention Research Center at Georgia State University.
Organizations that serve Clarkston residents will also be available during a lunchtime Expo to provide information about their services and projects.
This event is hosted by Georgia State University’s Prevention Research Center and School of Public Health, Emory University – Office of Global Strategy, City of Clarkston, and Atlanta Global Studies Center, a Georgia State University/Georgia Tech collaboration.
WHEN: Saturday, May 14th from 8:30am – 3:00pm
WHERE: Georgia State University Perimeter Campus
Cole Auditorium, 555 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021
Free Parking – Parking is available in lots 3, 4, and 5.
Please register here: https://prc.gsu.edu/clarkston-summit/
ONSITE CONTACT: Julie Roseman, (404) 964-6068 Cell
WHAT: The 2022 Clarkston Summit will host over 250 participants, including Clarkston residents, community organizations, and community leaders.
The purpose of this event is to talk about shared interests, goals, needs, and concerns, and to develop concrete plans to address them. The afternoon will be devoted to building solutions, establishing partnerships, and planning a way forward to address the identified topics of interest; including healthcare, mental health, resettlement, food security, affordable housing and early childhood education.
Morning Sessions – Hear from Clarkston organizations and leaders on priority issues related to health, education and refugee settlement.
Lunch & Expo – Enjoy a free delicious lunch and the chance to visit local representatives from over 30 organizations and agencies that serve the Clarkston community. Come learn about the many services available to Clarkston residents.
- Free activities for children
- Free lunch and coffee
- Translation services.
Summit attendees can receive free health screenings, First Aid and CPR training, and COVID vaccinations.
Afternoon Sessions – Participate in robust discussions to find solutions for priority issues in the Clarkston community.
WHO: Clarkston Mayor, Beverly Burks; Dr. Mary Helen O’Connor, Deputy Director of the Prevention Research Center at Georgia State University; Darlene Lynch, Co-Chair, Coalition of Refugee and Service Agencies and Head of External Relations, Center for Victims of Torture Georgia; Dr. Heval Kelli, Cardiologist at Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Institute; Stephanie Brown-Bryant, Principal of Indian Creek Elementary School.
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
All members of the Clarkston community are highly encouraged to attend this event and participate in discussions. Please register here: https://prc.gsu.edu/clarkston-summit/.